Dr Bill Glasson (65-69) LNP Candidate for Griffith

Dr Bill Glasson, a Churchie old boy who attended the school from 1965 to 1969 has been selected by the LNP to run against Kevin Rudd for the electorate of Griffith (Churchie’s own electorate) in the upcoming federal election. Dr Glasson is not only a dedicated Churchie old boy but he is currently serving on the Churchie Foundation. We asked Dr Glasson to tell us a little about himself and his time at Churchie.

From 1965 to 1969, Churchie, and particularly Goodwin House, were my home away from home, Winton in western Queensland. Churchie’s educational and sporting environment, plus the companionship of my fellow students, profoundly influenced who I am now, perhaps none so more than legendary headmaster Harry Roberts. 1969 was a particular highlight for me, coxing the Head of the River crew under coach Johnny Piper and being appointed a school probationer.

Perhaps Goodwin House influenced me more than I suspected at the time. Like its namesake Lieutenant General Sir John Goodwin, I chose a medical career, first as an optometrist, then after completing a medical degree qualifying as an ophthalmologist. I was also appointed consultant ophthalmologist to the Australian Army as a lieutenant colonel. East Brisbane has remained the focus of my personal and professional life. My wife Claire (also a doctor) and I have raised our three children Gemma, Nicola and William in East Brisbane and we have both practiced medicine there.

Politics is also in my blood and I have been active in medico politics as state and federal president of the Australian Medical Association, president of my professional college, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists and chair of many other professional organisations.

I have not lost my links with my rural roots and in 2008 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to medicine in rural and remote Australia, to the eye health of indigenous people, and to professional medical organisations. In September 2012 I was pre-selected as the Liberal National Party member for the federal electorate of Griffith, continuing my long association with this special part of Brisbane.